Nigeria Demands Investigation Into Nigerian’s Death in South African Police Custody

The Nigerian Consulate General in Johannesburg has called for a thorough investigation into the death of a Nigerian national, Odueze Chimezie Odueze, who allegedly died after being tortured by South African police officers in Cape Town.

Odueze reportedly died on October 9, 2026, in the Parklands area of Cape Town, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by Nigeria’s Consul General, Ambassador Ninikanwa O. Okey-Uche.

The consulate expressed shock and sadness over reports that Odueze was allegedly subjected to torture and police brutality before his death, noting that the incident had caused pain to his family, members of the Nigerian community and Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in South Africa.

According to the statement, Odueze was arrested at a shopping centre on suspicion of possessing drugs. The police subsequently took him to his residence to conduct a search.

Describing the incident as “one too many,” the Nigerian mission raised concerns over recurring reports of Nigerians dying in alleged extrajudicial killings in South Africa.

It warned that such incidents had continued to raise serious questions about the safety and protection of Nigerians and other foreign nationals living in the country.

The consulate also cautioned against the stereotyping of Nigerians, stressing that allegations against individuals should not be used to stigmatise the entire Nigerian community in South Africa.

It called on the relevant South African authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Odueze’s death and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The mission maintained that criminal allegations must be handled through established legal procedures rather than through acts of brutality or the taking of the law into one’s hands.

“Our position remains that no matter what the allegations may be, there are processes and steps to justice. All should be granted fair hearing in a court of law and no one should take laws into their own hands,” the statement said.

Amid concerns over reported xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks and threats against foreign nationals, the consulate appealed to Nigerians living in South Africa to remain calm, obey the law and take necessary precautions to protect themselves.

It also extended its condolences to the family of the deceased and reaffirmed its commitment to seeking the protection, safety and fair treatment of Nigerians residing in South Africa.

The statement, however, did not disclose whether South African authorities had formally commenced an investigation into the incident or whether any police officers had been arrested in connection with Odueze’s death.

The Nigerian mission’s demand for an investigation comes amid renewed concerns about the treatment and safety of Nigerians living in South Africa, with the consulate insisting that justice must be pursued through lawful means.

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